There are moments when a Supervisory Board must dare to ask itself: are we still sharp enough? Not just in the formal sense, but in our collective awareness, in the quality of our dialogue, and in our contribution to strategy and leadership. Not because it’s required, but because it’s possible – and above all, because it adds value.
NGL facilitates Board Reviews for boards with a broad perspective on governance – boards that aim to go beyond the standard self-evaluation. Boards that choose not for ritual reflection, but for a clear-eyed, courageous dialogue about their added value. Boards willing to explore discomfort and engage in the real conversation. Our approach is as professional as it is personal – and equally relevant for Executive Boards.
Beyond reflection
A board only truly adds value when it dares to question itself in light of the organisation’s mission, vision, and strategy. Reflection is not the destination, but a starting point for direction, coherence, and renewal. Our guidance is curious and focused, sharp and engaged. We bring expertise, experience, and ruthless compassion – the courage to be direct and the compassion to connect. We ask questions that surprise, confront, and deepen.
Five pillars of our approach:
- Mission, vision and strategy as compass: the board serves the organisation – not the other way around.
- Future-focused evaluation: 20% looking back, 80% looking ahead.
- The pivotal role of the chair: the chair acts as the conductor of the collective.
- The power of the triangle: real energy lies in the dynamic between board, executive leadership and employee participation, with due attention to (major) shareholders.
- Context and culture matter: effectiveness requires insight into the full system in which a board operates.
– Vincent Moolenaar
“We facilitate Board Reviews for boards with a broad perspective on governance – boards that aim to go beyond the standard self-evaluation. Boards that choose not for ritual reflection, but for a clear-eyed, courageous dialogue about their added value”
– Dorine Wekking
A conversation that matters
A Board Review with NGL is not a checklist and not a routine process. We create a reflective space for courageous conversations – where it’s not only about what is said, but especially about what remains unspoken. We combine governance expertise, focused analysis, systemic insight, and our signature ruthless compassion: incisive yet empathetic, confrontational when needed, never judgemental, and always geared toward strengthening.
In a Board Review, we explore together:
- How formal and informal dynamics shape relationships
- The balance between oversight, sparring partner and employer roles
- How individual contributions translate into collective impact
- What is simmering beneath the surface, and what it means for board effectiveness
What does it yield?
A well-facilitated Board Review generates movement. Structure, process and compliance form the foundation – but that is only the beginning. These hygiene factors create space to truly shift the board’s dynamic.
Our facilitation cultivates psychological safety, trust, clarity of roles and responsibilities, and a direct link to strategic and societal challenges.
The result:
- Mutual understanding, sharper positioning and better decision-making
- Insight into what is needed for future composition and effectiveness
- A board that strengthens itself – as individuals, as a team, and as a supervisory body
NGL makes the difference
At NGL, all partners serve as board members in complex organisations, with proven track records as executives and non-executives. We know the practice, the dilemmas, and the dynamics from the inside out.
Our work is tailored, informed by expertise in governance, analytical psychology, and systems thinking. This also defines the strength of our ruthless compassion: we ask the questions you didn’t see coming – always from a place of sincere engagement with people, teams and the organisation. We are sparring partner, challenger and trusted advisor – and we believe in the power of the real conversation. Nothing less will do.
How it works
A Board Review with NGL typically takes 6 to 8 weeks. We start with a sharp intake and alignment with the client. This is followed by individual conversations with board members, executives and – where relevant – other key stakeholders.
We analyse the dynamics, map both surface and underlying currents, and guide a plenary session where dialogue and perspective take centre stage. Follow-up on development points is always possible – as is the use of surveys or observation tools – but never as a goal in itself.
In short, a Board Review with NGL is an investment in the future resilience of the board and the organisation. It offers a unique opportunity for both individual and collective growth, to build trust, and to shape a sustainable strategy that creates business value and honours the organisation’s societal mission.
– Bercan Günel